Articles tagged with Energy Infrastructure
Replacing biomass-burning cookstoves in sub-Saharan Africa could save 463,000 lives and $66 billion in health costs. However, adoption has been sluggish due to high upfront costs, with many households unable to afford cleaner alternatives.
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.
Researchers developed a novel way to store energy by transporting sand into abandoned underground mines, creating a long-term energy storage solution. The technology generates electricity when the price is high and stores it when cheap, making it an effective and cost-efficient alternative to traditional batteries.
A new study finds that autonomous vehicles could consume enough energy to generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for rapid advancements in hardware efficiency. To mitigate this, researchers recommend more efficient autonomous vehicles with smaller carbon footprints.
The Center for Ubiquitous Connectivity (CUbiC) aims to flatten the computation-communication gap by delivering seamless Edge-to-Cloud connectivity with transformational reductions in energy consumption. Led by Columbia Engineering Professor Keren Bergman, CUbiC will create new ultra-energy efficient technologies and system architectures.
Scientists at Aston University are developing processes to capture low-cost energy from rice straw, with the goal of powering Indonesia's households and reducing air pollution. The project aims to increase energy extraction from rice straw from 35% to 70%, providing a sustainable source of locally generated energy.
Researchers mapped strategies to minimize impact of mining on rare plants, finding that protecting 30% of threatened species can ensure long-term survival. The model optimizes energy project placement to balance space use and minimize harm.
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
A new OSU study highlights the importance of understanding daily energy-use patterns at home, as utilities move toward time-of-use energy pricing models. The study found that most homes have an 'evening peak' load shape, with households exhibiting this shape before and during shelter-in-place orders.
The new catalyst uses energy from light to convert ammonia into clean-burning hydrogen fuel, breaking the need for heat and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery paves the way for sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production locally rather than in massive centralized plants.
Researchers warn of impending 35-60 year droughts in western US unless greenhouse gas emissions are curbed to limit warming to 2.5 degrees Celsius. Mountain snowpack is shrinking due to global warming, threatening agriculture, ecosystem support, and urban water supplies.
A team of researchers has developed a framework using blockchain technology to track device communications on the electric grid, detecting anomalies such as data manipulation and spoofing. This approach increases grid resiliency and allows for rapid response to cyberattacks or equipment failures.
A new study estimates the cost of a green transition in greenhouse gases, finding that building renewable infrastructure generates significant carbon emissions. However, speeding up the transition could dramatically decrease these emissions and limit warming to 2 degrees or even 1.5 degrees.
A new study models likely future cliff retreat rates of two rock coasts in the UK, finding that rock coasts are likely to retreat at a rate not seen for 3,000-5,000 years. The researchers predict that rock coast cliffs will retreat by at least 10-22 meters inland due to accelerating sea level rise.
The nfdi4energy consortium will increase usability of research results for various actors in energy systems research. Researchers from multiple institutions will work together to make data trackable, usable, and optimally reusable.
A new study finds that achieving access to minimum resources and services for all while safeguarding the Earth system requires redistribution and societal transformations. The research shows that the wealthiest individuals and societies must undergo transformative change to mitigate climate impacts, while the poor are not the primary c...
A new atlas reveals extreme differences in urban built-up heights globally, with the Global South having nearly as much infrastructure as the Global North. This data can inform city planning and economic development efforts to address inequality and climate change.
A new research group aims to develop an interdisciplinary approach for secure operation of critical infrastructure systems using artificial intelligence. The goal is to create a 'hybrid architecture' that combines AI-based strategic development with rule-based systems, ensuring safe and reliable behavior.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to analyze how susceptible overhead transmission lines are to damage from back-to-back natural hazards. The study found that previous damage can have a significant impact on the fragility and reliability of power grids, especially when followed by a hurricane.
The Covid-19 pandemic and European conflict have exposed the vulnerability of the global energy system, with reduced investments in clean energy projects and increased fossil fuel reliance. This is likely to create lock-in effects that could take decades to reverse, making a sustainable energy transition increasingly challenging.
A new Stanford study found that widespread home electric vehicle charging at night could strain the US western grid by up to 25% by 2035. The researchers recommend daytime charging at work or public stations to reduce peak demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that natural gas transported by interstate pipelines contains hazardous air pollutants and known human carcinogens. The study analyzed industry-reported data and found surprising levels of harmful air pollutants, including benzene, mercury, radon, and hydrogen sulfide.
Researchers have developed a new technique to dope gallium nitride (GaN), creating high-power electronic devices with reduced energy loss and increased efficiency. This breakthrough enables the use of GaN in compact power electronics for sustainable infrastructure, such as smart grids.
Researchers at Princeton University found that burying 5% of power lines near main distribution points could reduce the number of affected residents by half. The study used Harris County, Texas, as an example and estimated that the risk of hurricane-blackout-heat wave events would increase 23 times by the end of the century under a
Researchers at MIT develop a new flow model that optimizes individual turbine control to maximize wind farm energy production. The algorithm increases energy output by up to 32% in real-world experiments, with potential gains of over $1 billion per year.
A multidisciplinary study uses magnetometers to investigate the magnetic fields of metropolitan areas, finding that each city has a distinct magnetic signature. This unique characteristic can be exploited to analyze anomalies in city operation and long-term trends of urban development.
As extreme heatwaves ravage the globe, scientists warn that only 8% of the world's poorest people have access to air conditioning. By 2050, 70% of the population may require AC, with 92% needed in India and Indonesia. This demands massive infrastructure upgrades to prevent lives from being lost.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrate a system that can detect propane leaks within seconds, alerting emergency services. They also study the secrets of silicon deposits in plants to enhance soil carbon storage. Additionally, they assess the viability of retrofitting untapped dams for hydropower electricity generation.
The study highlights the risks of natural gas infrastructure expansion, including underestimated methane emissions and economic climate risks. The researchers propose five measures to avoid these risks, including a timely and consistent natural gas exit.
A new study reveals that population declines have been greatest among species that migrate to areas with more human infrastructure, habitat degradation, and climate change. The research identified 16 human-induced threats to migratory birds, including infrastructure associated with bird disturbance and collisions.
Harvard researchers develop new method to extend the lifetime of organic molecules in organic aqueous flow batteries, improving their commercial viability. The approach works by periodically providing a shock to revive decomposed molecules, resulting in a net lifetime increase of up to 260 times.
Researchers developed a computational model to determine optimal places for electric vehicle charging facilities and powerful stations without straining the local power grid. The model considers travel flow, user demand, and regional power infrastructure needs.
A new study suggests achieving a 50% reduction in US greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is possible through increasing renewable capacity and transitioning to electric vehicles. This would limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, aligning with the UN's climate target.
Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.
Researchers have successfully processed sequences with a large neural network while consuming significantly less energy on neuromorphic hardware. This breakthrough showcases the potential of neuromorphic technology to improve the energy efficiency of AI workloads.
To achieve the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050 with a maximum temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, a massive rollout of solar and wind power is required, along with investments in Power-to-X technologies and carbon capture. The model suggests installing 400 GW of new solar and wind energy capacity every year from 2025-2035.
The summit focuses on emerging innovations and scientific capabilities from DOE national laboratories, including self-reinforced cement, temperature-based hibernating batteries, and acoustic tags. These place-based research solutions aim to address challenges in energy resiliency and the maritime industry.
Scientists have developed a new method of recording data using light on silicon waveguides, enabling non-volatile and high-performance magneto-optical memories. This breakthrough could lead to all-optical alternatives in telecommunications infrastructure and applications in optical computing.
Researchers propose a dual water and energy storage scheme to resolve the temporal mismatch between resources, reducing CO2 emissions while guaranteeing water supply. The scheme utilizes seasonal pumped hydroelectric systems to store water for irrigation during summer and hydropower generation in winter.
A team of economists proposes flexible import tariffs to reduce Russia's financial gains from its oil and gas exports, allowing EU to flexibly react to Moscow's actions in Ukraine. The measure could prove valuable in mid- and long-term efforts to become more independent of Russian oil and gas.
A University of Delaware study reveals a lack of marshaling ports is hindering the US offshore wind industry's growth, threatening to meet renewable energy targets. The study finds that existing and planned ports will be insufficient by 2023 to meet state and federal commitments, with a significant shortfall expected through 2050.
Researchers used GPS data from 65 bird tracking studies to identify areas where migrating birds are more sensitive to onshore wind turbine or power line development. These 'collision hotspots' are concentrated along important migration routes, coastlines, and near breeding locations in Europe and North Africa.
A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.
The Texas cold snap highlighted the critical role of electricity in society and the need for improved power system planning to withstand extreme weather events. The event showed that traditional planning based on historical weather patterns is not sufficient, and new information from climate projection models is needed.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that private investments in California's solar energy industry increase climate vulnerabilities. Large-scale infrastructure needed to attract private investment makes the system more vulnerable to climate extremes, including heat waves and droughts.
A new study offers a framework for addressing cyber security challenges in critical infrastructure by explicitly representing multiple dimensions of potential impacts. The proposed Bayesian network model allows for the identification of optimal portfolios of security measures to minimize expected cyberattack impacts.
Researchers developed the Transactive Energy Service System (TESS) to automatically adjust a home's power use in response to fluctuating prices. The system increases the resiliency of the grid while saving both consumers and utilities money.
Researchers propose a disaggregation strategy to estimate power consumption of individual electrical facilities, improving accuracy over traditional methods. The new approach uses linear regression residuals and clustered daily routines to provide more accurate estimations for workdays and holidays.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
Researchers developed a new model to predict storm damage, allowing for effective resource allocation and reduction in societal consequences. The framework can be applied to various infrastructure systems and weather events, promoting better preparedness and response.
New research suggests nuclear power can provide low-cost energy and replace natural gas as a backup source, enabling faster decarbonization in countries with poor wind resources. The analysis found that nuclear is the cheapest way to eliminate all electricity-system carbon emissions nearly everywhere.
KAUST researchers simulate microgrid cyberattacks to assess impact and develop detection methods. Effective methods identify anomalous conditions associated with attacks, enabling swift isolation of affected subsystems.
Researchers from West Virginia University are developing a new composite transition joint using 3D printing to reduce stress on power plant systems. The goal is to increase the flexibility and reliability of thermal power plants.
The seminar on geothermal energy held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) showcases the growing interest in the renewable source among oil and gas professionals. The event highlights opportunities for oil and gas experts, market trends, challenges, and potential solutions for scaling geothermal energy globally.
Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.
A novel plan to deploy smart transactive energy systems on the US power grid could reduce daily load swings by 20-44% and save consumers up to $50 billion annually. By coordinating with utilities, consumers can dynamically control big energy users like heat pumps and electric vehicle charging stations.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new neutron-based method to detect clogs in underwater pipelines non-destructively. This approach uses prompt gamma neutron activation analysis to measure hydrogen concentration, allowing for the detection of blockages and hydrate formation.
A new report by Berkeley Lab outlines systemic changes needed to advance equity in electric utility regulation. The report recommends considering energy justice goals, allocating funding for low-income households, and accounting for energy inequities in designing electricity rates.
The study found that most USSE facilities were installed on grasslands, pastures, and agricultural lands, potentially impeding Florida panther dispersal. Restoration of dispersal corridors and gene flow is critical to the species' survival, benefiting biodiversity and resiliency at the landscape-scale.
A study analyzing major US electric utility pledges suggests that if implemented, these reductions could lower power sector emissions by 30% by 2050. However, about one-seventh of the pledged cuts are redundant and would be required under existing state regulations.